Amherst house fire causes $350,000 damage

Fire that began in a kitchen caused an estimated $350,000 damage to an Amherst home Sunday evening, according to Main-Transit Fire Chief James Lawida.

Lawida estimated damage at $150,000 to the 1 1/2-story residence at 177 Patton Place and $200,000 to the contents. Four firefighters were evaluated at the scene by Twin City Ambulance for minor injuries.

Firefighters responding to a call at 7:52 p.m. found heavy fire in the kitchen and said that a woman who lived there was reluctant to leave. They took her to safety immediately and quickly put out the flames. She is being cared for by her family, Lawida said.

Lawida said the fire was traced to the area around a toaster oven but the cause has not been determined.